Norco
Charger 9
29er Hardtail

Product Description

Built for charging, this series of exciting hardtails is meant to be as versatile as you are. Hydraulic brakes, 27-speed drivetrains and lightweight aluminum frames make these great bikes for exploring new trails and reaching new heights.

I bought the 2013 9.2 Charger after looking at most of the 29ers in the $700 to $2000 dollar price bracket including Specialized, Felt, Giant, and Trek. I am about 190 pounds,have a 32 inch inseam and a long torso. The geometry of the Charger fit me well and the lower top bar allowed me the standover clearance to move up to a 20 inch frame. I ride almost every day on everything from pavement to gnarly trails. I wanted a very durable bike that would allow me to upgrade as necessary but had a solid frame as a foundation. I paid $800 for the bike and love everything about it except the rear derailleur (chain slap) and pedals which I knew I would have to switch out. There is a definite pricepoint about $1000 that you see a big jump in price to get to the next level of components. I got down to the Specialized Stumpjumper, the Felt, and the Norco for the ride and fit that I really liked. The Norco actually had the best fit and was less than half of the other two bikes. For the price difference I will upgrade later and still have spent much less than I would have on either of the other two bikes.

Similar Products Used: First 29er but have ridden Trek, GT and Dahon in 26 inch MTBs.

Bike Setup: Norco Charger 9.2 with Cane Creek Thudbuster seat post

Overall Rating:

Value Rating:

Submitted by
Scott Carnahan
a Weekend Warrior

Date Reviewed: November 22, 2013

Strengths: Frame/Rockshox Fork/ Hayes Brakes/ Alivio shifters/Price

Weaknesses: Most of the other components, but it's entry level and simular to other brands in this price range

Bottom Line:

So, I posted this in the regular XC section, didn't know there was a 29er section, so though I'd post here as well.

Mine is a 2013 model 9.2 19in frame, I paid $875 US. I knew to try and get the best fork that I could in this price range, now the Rockshox XC30 is still a very entry level fork, but better than the Suntours most others in this price range. I researched Specialized/Giant/Trek/ Jamis/Raleigh/ and others I can't remember right off the top of my head, basically, the Norco was the best value, all frames are Pretty much the same, made in China/Taiwan ect and come with a lifetime warranty. All the components are pretty similar/ Acera/Alivio/Deore/ X5 or a combo there of. With the Norco I could get into the basic Rockshox XC30 for $875/ with the others it was about $1000 for either the XC28 or XC30, and I believe the Trek offered the XC32 for about $1100. For me I had to be as frugal as possible, I was buying my wife and I a bike and a bike trailer too, so the Norco offered the best component to price ratio. I've had it about a year now and now complaints. Mostly 75% on road commuting to work pulling the bike trailer around the neighborhood, and about 25% off-road mostly basic single track, some heavier xc/downhills stuff, the bike works great for what it is, and the frame is good enough to upgrade with better components in the future as the original stuff wears out. The fork is pretty good for this level, a little soft for my 185lbs but at least offered Rebound dampening and a greater range of Preload adjustment, at least compared to the Suntour XCT/M/R that most entry levels come … read morewith. The Hayes Breaks are great, and I really like the Alivio shifters a lot, they shift great and have numbers as a reference to what gear you are in.read less

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[IMG]http://i40.tinypic.com/35c1m9s.jpg[/IMG]
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